California Budget Calls for Increase in Arts & Music Grant, Due in Part to NAMM Members' Local Advocacy Efforts

The recently approved California state budget calls for an allocation of nearly $109.7 million to the Arts and Music Block Grant, due in part to many NAMM Members who got involved locally to support music and arts education funding.

Like the rest of education funding, this amount reflects a slight increase, and given the deficits that the state is facing, this is an accomplishment—if not a victory—to keep education funding sustained at current levels for the coming year.

“During a time of budget shortfalls in many states, California has taken a stand on the maintaining funding for a complete education that includes music and arts instruction," says Mary Luehrsen, NAMM's director of public affairs and government relations. "NAMM Members in California joined with arts and music education advocacy groups to maintain this support and should be applauded for their successful advocacy efforts.”